4 Health Benefits you’ll get from Playing Roller Derby

Roller derby has been gaining in popularity over the last few years and is slowly, but surely, becoming more and more mainstream. If you ever thought playing roller derby looked intimidating, you shouldn’t, as there are many levels you could be playing at and you don’t necessarily have to start as a pro. And you don’t have to play as a pro to get some of the game’s many health benefits either. Here are a few reasons why roller derby should be part of your weekly fitness routine.

Improves Your Cardio and Stamina

Playing roller derby is about much more than simply winning, you have to be able to skate for long periods of time and keep a certain pace. While it may seem like a cakewalk to people who have never put on a pair of roller skates in their lives, this demands a lot of stamina and muscular endurance. After a while, you will notice a big improvement in your stamina and core/lower body endurance.

And if you want to improve your performance and endurance while playing, you should consider investing in a good pair of skates and wheels as well. The wrong pair will not only feel uncomfortable but won’t give you the level of support that you need. Companies like Riedell roller skates sell high-performance roller derby skates and wheels that will allow you to spend hours skating with minimal pain and increase your playing time. So, make sure that you buy the best pair of skates you can afford if you want to be able to play for long periods of time with minimal discomfort.

Better Balance

Needless to say, you need good balance to be a good skater. But roller derby takes things to a whole other level. You’ll have to be able to deal with constant contact, know how to stabilize yourself, and develop the kind of coordination and balance it takes to not fall amidst a group of opponents and teammates.

Anaerobic and Aerobic Activity

Roller derby allows you to reap the benefits of both endurance training and short interval high-intensity training. Since bouts usually last about an hour, you’ll be able to increase your aerobic capacity by skating vigorously for an extended time. You will also get some anaerobic benefits during the small two-minute “jams” when teams have to go through short high-intensity bursts around the rink.

Increases Overall Body Strength

The number of different muscles you’ll have to work as a roller derby player is impressive. The constant side movements will force you to work your glutes, inner thighs, calves, and quadriceps just to name a few. You’ll also be able to work your abdominal muscles since you have to keep your center of gravity low while skating and bumping into other players.

Conclusion

All in all, playing roller derby is a great way to make new friends, get that adrenaline pumping, and burn a few calories at the same time. Make sure that you find a team that will support you and invest in the best equipment if you want to enjoy the game to the fullest.